Lyrics Overture/Big Bright Beautiful World - Brian D'Arcy James, Rachel Stern, Jacob Ming-Trent

Overture/Big Bright Beautiful World

Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek
Who lived with his parents in a bog by a tree
It was a pretty nasty place
But he was happy because ogres like nasty
On his birthday, the little ogre’s parents sat him down to talk
Just as all ogre’s parents had for hundreds of years before
Listen son, you’re growing up so quickly
Growing up, bigger by the day
Although we want you here
The rules are very clear
Now you’re seven…
Now you’re seven…
So it’s time to go away
Your Mama packed a sandwich for your trip
Your Papa packed your boots in case of snow
You’re gonna make us proud, no backing up allowed
Just keep walking…
Just keep walking…
And you’ll find somewhere to go
It’s a big bright beautiful world
With happiness all around
It’s peaches and cream
And every dream comes true
But not for you
It’s a big, bright, beautiful world
With possibilities everywhere
And just around the bend
There’s a friend or two
But not for you
We’re ugly, son
Which means that life is harder
People hate the things they cannot understand
And when they look at us they tend to make a fuss
Burn our houses down
And chase us
Off our land
It’s important that you find a cozy cesspit
A place no one would ever dare to tread
And if they happen by make sure you terrify them
If you don’t, son…
If you don’t, son…
Then you’ll surely wind up dead
Good-bye!
Good-bye!
Watch out for men with pitch-forks!
And so the little ogre went off and found a muddy patch of swampland
Far, far away from the world that despised him
And there he stayed for many years
Tucked away, and all alone… which was just the way he liked it
Keep your big bright beautiful world
I’m happy where I am, all alone
I got all I need
So read the stinkin' sign!
Keep your big bright beautiful world
I party on my own anyway
Doin' what I can
With a one-man conga line
Yeah, your big bright beautiful world
Is all teddy bears and unicorns
Take your fluffy fauna
And shove it where the sun don’t shine!
I prefer a life like this
It’s not that complicated
Sure, I’m fated to be lonely
And I’m destined to be hated
If you read the books, they say
It’s why I was created
But I don’t care
'Cause being liked
Is grossly overrated
Who needs a big bright beautiful world?
I got my own little patch of the world!
It’s not a big bright beautiful world
But it’s mine! Alone!
It’s mine!
And it’s mine!
All mine!